How can a pastor lead in formation when not everyone is at the same place of spiritual maturity?
Willard: That’s going to be the case no matter what we do. If you ask any pastor who knows his congregation, he will tell you that two groups already existthose who are serious learners of Jesus and those who are not. This is not a bad thing. It’s an opportunity for pastors to learn how to love people who aren’t students of Jesus. Zander: But you need to present apprenticeship as normative. It can’t be seen as something only for super-Christians. Willard: Right, and to have healthy spiritual formation you must have ways of recognizing people who are ready to go deeper, and then provide a place for them to do itlike a special group or retreat. Zander: But we need to avoid promoting things for people who are “really serious” about their spiritual growth. The danger is you’ll get a lot of folks who want to look like they’re serious, but in reality are not. Willard: Yes, that’s really true. Zander: We’ve got to avoid creating an elite level of disciples in the church. Should pastors target
